Illuminated switch device



June 24, 1941. M, L, BIGMAN ILLUMINATED swrrcn DEVICE (Filed May 5, 1938 INVENTOR MOP/PA) A. fi/mwmv ATTORNEY Fig. 1, showing the element detached.

7 Fig. -5, with part of Patented June 24, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE mumua'rsn swrrcn DEVICE Morris L. Bigman, Brooklyn, N. Y. Application May 5, 1938, Serial No. 206.111

tomato-1st) I Claims.

This invention relates to switch devices particularly o! the pivoted handle type; and the object of the invention is to provide means within the handle or. movable switch element for illumihating the same or that part thereof which protrudes for manual engagement when the switch is in the oil oropen circuit position so as to renderthe switch visible in a dark room orcompartment especially to indicate to those not acquainted with the room or compartment the location of the switch; a further object being to provide a switch or the character described wherein the switch element or handle is composed of a transparent or translucent material so'that a neon light arranged, therein, when ignited; will be visible through the wall structure or the element or handle; arurtber, object being to provide a switch element oi the character described wherein the several contact parts and mounting parts of the switch element are formed integrally with the body structure of the element .by forming the latter of a die cast or molded material of the type and kind under consideration; a still further object being to provide a handle wherein a neon tube may be detachably coupled with the handle by the provision of a chamber in the handle into which the tube may be arranged ,in such manner as tov engage the electric contacts which form a part of the handle structure; and with these and otherobiects in view, the invention consists in a device oi the class and for the purpose specified. struction, eillcient in use. and which is constructed as hereinafter described and claimed.

The invention is fully disclosed in the following specification, of which the accompanying drawing forms a part, in which the separate parts of my improvement are designated by suitable reference characters in each oi the views. and in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view through a switch box showing one of my improved switch elements arranged therein with part or the construction broken away and in section.

Fig. 2 is a partial section on Fig. 1. r

Fig. 31s a partial section on the line 3-4 or the line 2-2 0! F a- 4 is a side view of the structure shown in Fig. 3, with part or the construction broken away.

which is simple in 'con- Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing a modification: and,

Fig. 6 is a side view of the structure broken away.

the structure shown in a on 'is attached the mounting devices ii. The strip, in

upper end thereof in which knob 24 of a adapted to operate. By means of this conneoclosing yoke 20 is moved into one type oibox and have further illustrated one method oi completing the circuit from the element to the binding posts or terminals of the box, other forms of connections may be used. Therefore, in thesetrespects, the illustration de* scribed must be considered solely as demonstrative of one method only of carrying my invention into eflect.

In Figs. 1 and 2 of the porcelain switch box to drawing, Ill represents a the upper end of which bar or strip I i by means of screws or other addition to. having theconventional meansior attaching the same to :a support at the ends I! thereof, also has apertures for receiving screws H for mounting the outer switch plate It in position. At opposite sides or the box III are bindin posts or terminals i8, i1, note are coupled spring contacts, i8, is, which extend downwardly into the central compartment of the box and are provided with flared inner ends as indicated at i8a, note Fig. .1; so as to receive the swinging yoke 20 pivoted in recesses in the sides of the box as seen at 2|; note Fig. 2, so that l 20 is moved to the when the yoke or switch bar right, both contacts it and it will be engaged and the circuit through .wires connected with the terminals l6 and I! completed. Seated in the crosshead oi the yoke 20 is a coil spring 22 having a. cup-shaped socket 23 seating upon the; the lower protruding handle or switch element 25 is tion the circuit operative and inoperative positions in movins the handle to the "on" and "ofl positions by swinging .on the pivot pin or axis 28 or said handle which is supported in connection with the sides or the mounting strip II in the usual manner. Intact, all of the struction, aside from the specific structure of the switch element or handle, which is later described, is of well known form and construction.

In illustrating one method oi completing the circuit to' the neon bulb 21 ot the handle 2!. I have shown two inwardly and '29 which are coupled with the terminals I8 and i1 and arranged adjacent the contacts it use 'in connection with a Fig. 2, to which above described conprojecting contacts 28 t and i9 but positioned in the manner illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawing so as to engage the contacts of the switch element as later described. The handle 25 shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive consists of a die cast or molded body of plastic or thermoplastic material, such for example as cellulose acetate or any other material, having translucent properties or through which light will be visible in utilizing a thickness of wall sufllcient or required to perform the necessary functions of the switch element. It is not absolutely essential, however, that the body of the handle be translucent or transparent; and when an opaque body is employed, openings may be formed in opposed walls of the body in positions registering with the neon tube 21, in accordance with the teachings in my prior application, Serial No. 76,343, filed, April 25, 1936, now Patent No. 2,134,696, issued November 1, 1938. By using a molded or die, cast body of this type, it will be apparent'that the electric connections and other fixtures of the switch element, independent of the neon bulb, may be formed as one unitary part of the handle, the switch elements and the like constituting inserts or inlays around which the plastic body is molded or cast.

In the construction shown in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawing, the upper portion of the body of the handle 25 is formed with a bore or socket 36 ,which ,opens through the outer finger piece end 3! of the handle, the latter being closed by a cap 32 which may also be composed of the same plastic material as employed in the handle body, but may be of a color contrasting to the color of said body. In this connection it will be understood that another distinctive feature of my invention resides in utilizing handles of various colors which will be in harmony with the color scheme of a room or compartment. These colors may be of the light or deeper shades in the primary colors or in fact may be produced in marble .or mottled two-tone effects.

Integrally formed with the'body of the switch element 25 are two contacts 33 and 34, the contact 33 being disposed at one side wall of the bulb socket 313, whereas the terminal 34 is arranged at the bottom wall so as to engage an outer .contact surface 35 and a bottom button contact 36 on the tube 27 in the manner of an ordinary light bulb when the neon tube 2? is inserted into the socket. It will be understood that suitable resiliency may be provided between the contacts 33, and 34, 36, to insure the completion of the circuits therethrough. Arranged upon the lower end of the tube 2?! is a suitable resistance which may be in the form of a. coil so that whenthe circuit is completed to the contacts 33 and 3d, the neon bulb will be illuminated. The contacts 33 extend through the body of the switch element and may be suitably anchored therein, the lower ends forming protruding terminals 31 and 38, which are adapted to engage the contacts 28 and 29 in the manner illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing.

In molding the switch element unit, the terminals 37 and 38 may normally extend in the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3, and may afterward be moved into the position shown in full lines by use of suitable tools for this purpose. It will of course be understood that "the plates or strips forming the contacts or terminals 33, 3?,

and 34, 38, are insulated from each other within the body 01' the switch element. These plates are secured to and coupled by a tube 39 of insulating material which is utilized primarily for hold- 7 ing these parts together as an assembled unit when placing the same as an insert within the cavities or impressions of dies. The usual stop member 40 having the head 24 is also mounted upon the tube 39 centrally thereof. This member has laterally protruding ends 4|, note Fig. 4, which are adapted to engage the strip II to limit the swinging movement of the handle in both directions. This member is reinforced and anchored in the body of the handle by providing apertures 42 therein through which the molded material is adapted to pass, as indicated in Fig. 4. It is also preferred that similar apertures 43 be provided in the plates of the contacts 33, 34, for a similar purpose.

After the handle has been cast with the parts 33, 34, 39 and 40 integrally therewith in the manner illustrated, the tube 21 is placed in position through the open end of the finger piece portion 3| after which the cap 32 is arranged in position which may be simply snapped in position, or if desired, cemented in place. The use of the switch when the handle is in the 011' or open circuit position as shown in full lines in Fig. 1

of the drawing, will enable the circuit to be completed to the neon tube or bulb 21 and the entire finger piece 3i of the handle will be illuminated. When the switch is thrown into the closed circuit position to complete the circuit through the contacts i8 and is, the circuit to the tube 2? will be broken. This, however, is not absolutely essential as this circuit may be kept closed so no light will appear in the bulb 2! when the same is short-circuited through the contacts I8 and i9.

In Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawing, I have shown another method of constructing the device which would necessitate casting or molding the device in a position at right angles to that in which the device shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is molded. In this construction I have dispensed with the use of the coupling ofi the switch element contacts with each other and with the stop member; and have simply relied upon the grooving of, the dies or molds to support the separate contacts and said stop member independently of each other. In

this construction, the handle is represented at 25a, the pivot pin of the'toggle at 26a, the neon tube or bulb at 271.1, the bore or socket of the handle at tila for receiving the tube 27a, the finger piece and of the handle at am, the closure cap at 32a, the contacts at 330., 35a, equivalent to the contacts 33 and 3 3, the tube protruding terminal or contacts at 3m and 38a, and the stop member at 26. The stop member tie has a hole 55 in the upper end thereof and within the body oi" the handle for receiving the pivot pin 25a. The member Ed is of the general construction shown in 6 and has an apertured central lower projection 38 with which the usual spring controlling the switch element is coupled, the member 46 being of a conventional construction; aside from the provision of apertures 41 therein for anchoring the member within the body of the handle 25m and for otherwise moving the structure of this member to adapt it to the present use. At this time it is well to point out that the members 40 and 46 as employed by me do not include the conventional parts which extend upwardly into the finger piece portion of the handle asv is common with the conventional form of handles.

With the structure shown in Figs. 5 and 6, in-

- stead of mounting the contacts 330, 37a, and 34a,

38a, upon an ting bushing, these contacts are simply arranged in spaced relation to each other in the molds and are provided with large central openings 48 which clear or are in spaced relation-to the pin ZGa so as iothoroughly insulate the contacts from each other within the body of the handle when mounted on: the pin 26a. In forming the casting a dummy core pin may be used in place of the pin 26d. which is removed from the resulting casting as will be apparent; or if desired, a retractable core pin may be used for this purpose as a part of the die structure. The neon tube will be provided with contacts 35a and 35a, similar to the contacts 35, 36 of the tube 21, for engaging the respective contacts 33a and 34a. It will be understood that the tube 21, 21a is frictionally held in position and suitable means may be provided to maintain this position of the tube in manners well known in the art.

or transparent materials. The cap 32, 32a, may

be composed oi a thin walled transparent thermoplastic material whichwould produce a bright domed light at the tip oi! the finger piece while still producing an illuminated or iridescent eflect in the remainder of the finger piece.

It will appear'that a switch element or handle made in accordance with the structure and teachings above described may be producedat a nominal cost and at the same time a very attractive, practical, as well as highly eflicient device of the a member and pin and a reduced tubular outer Having fully described my invention, what, 1'

claim as new and desire-to secure by Letters Patent, is: y

-1. An illuminated switch element for switches of the character described, said element comprising a unitary body or molded plastic material,

said body having a large inner end portion and anelongated tubular outer end portion forming the finger engaging part or the element, the bore 0! said tubular portionbeing adapted to receive a neon tube through the outer open end thereof,

means forming a closure for said open end, means iorming a pivotal support for the inner end portion or said element, two electric contacts imbedded in the inner end portion of said body and exposed in the bore or said tubular end to provide constant engagement with the terminals of the neon tube arranged therein, said contacts being exposed in spaced parallel relation to each other through the inner end of said body, contacts being arranged in alinement with said finger engaging part, the means forming the pivotal support for said element comprising a member at least partially imbedded in the inner end portion or said element, said member and body having a socket for a pivot pin, and said being insulated from the contacts lmbedded in said element.

2. A switch element for switches or the character described comprising a unitary molded body of plastic material having translucent characteristics, said body having a wide pivot end portion finger grip portion, the bore of said finger grip portion opening outwardly through the end thereof, two contacts imbedded in the pivot end portion or said body within side walls thereof, said contacts having character described will be provided without modifying in any appreciable degree the general structure of devices of this'kind. It will also appear that a device of the character described in addition to being practical in use from a standpoint of locating the position of the switch also eliminates unnecessary fingering and soiling o! the wall around the switch which would otherwise result in the use of conventional types of switches even though the general position or location of the switch were known.

By producing the body or a material having a color in harmony with a room color, a pleasing and subdued glow. will prevail in the room or this colorat the switch element or handle. It is preferred in the construction of my switch element or handle to employ a plastic material having flame-proof characteristics; that is to say, to be of a non-explosive character so that in the event of a spark or arcing oi the switch device no destruction or damage would take place. ,Such material as cellulose, acetate will have these properties; Furthermore, this material is desirable from-the standpoint that it can be produced as a substantially translucent body and in many colors or the lighter or brighter shadm. It will also be understood that whilecertain types and kinds of switch elements are shown, my invention is not necessarily limited in these respects. The structure of the body of the switch element may be modified to suit the particular type and kind of switch which is desired; the only essential i'eathat the contour of being molded or die that my improved ture being to bear in mind the body must be capable of cast. It will also be apparent device may be used in conjunction with any with the finger grip terminals opening into the bore of the tubular end portion to contact the terminals 01 a'neon tube arranged in said bore, said contacts having other terminal ends protruding through the .wide end of said body for movement into and out of engagement with other contacts completing an electric circuit to a neon tube supported in said body when the switch is in an "of!" position, and said last named terminal ends extending in parallel relation and in longitudinal alinement portion or said element.

" 3.'A switch element for switches oi the character described comprising a unitary molded body or plastic material having translucent characteristics, said body having a wide'pivot end portion and a reduced tubular outer finger grip portion,

the bore of said finger grip portion opening outwardly through the end thereof, two contacts imbedded in the pivot end portion or said body within side walls thereof, said contacts having terminals opening into the bore of the tubular end portion to contact the terminals oi! a neon tube arranged in said bore, said contacts having other terminal ends protruding through the wide end or said body ior'movement into engagement with other contacts completing an electric circuit to a neon tube supported in said body when the switch is in an of! position, said contacts having within the wide end portion of said body large apertures in opposed relation to each other, and said wide end portion of the body having a transverse'pivot pin receiving passage extending through the apertures of said contacts in suchmanner as to-insulate a pivot pin irom electric circuit controlling; appliances or other 7 electrical devices or apparatus.

, said contacts.

4. An illuminated switch element adapted to be pivotally arranged in a switch of the character described having spaced contacts disposed in said exposed and out oi a plane common with the pivotal axis of said element, and means actuated by said element for making and breaking a circuit through said contacts, said element comprising a unitary body of molded material having a large inner end portion and an elongated tubular end portion forming the finger engaging part of the element, the bore of said tubular portion being adapted to receive a neon tube through the outer open end thereof, means forming a closure for said open end, means forming a pivotal support for the inner end portion of said element, two electric contacts imbedded in the inner end portion of said body and exposed in the bore of said tubular end to provide constant engagement with the terminals of the neon tube arranged therein,

said contacts projecting in substantially parallel 4 relation to each other through the inner end of said body, and said projecting contacts being adapted to register with the spaced contacts of said switch when said first named means is out of engagement with said spaced contacts whereby the circuit is closed to the neon tube when the switch element is in the "off or open circuit position.

5. The combination with a switch box having terminals with which circuit wires are adapted to be connected and spring contacts coupled with said terminals and extending into said box at one end thereof, of a switch device pivotally supported in the box and adapted in the on and off positions respectively thereof to move circuit forming means into and out of engagement with said contacts, said device comprising a molded body of plastic material having a wide pivot end portion and a reduced tubular finger grip portion, a neon tube arranged withinsaid tubular portion of said body, two electric contacts imbedded in the large end portion of said body and having terminal ends extending into the bore of the tubular portion to contact the neon tube in completing a circuit thereto, said contacts having other terminal ends protruding in substantially parallel relation through the enlarged end of said body, and extending into the box to engage the first named spring contacts in the off position of said switch device when the circuit forming means is out of engagement with said contacts.

MORRIS L. BIGMAN. 

